Abuja, Nigeria – In a decisive step towards promoting inclusivity and accessibility within Nigeria’s aviation sector, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has partnered with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enhance travel experiences for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The collaboration was formalized during a working visit by the NCPWD management team, led by Executive Secretary Dr. James David Lalu, to the NCAA’s headquarters in Abuja on May 30, 2024.
This strategic meeting aimed to establish a robust partnership with the NCAA and reinforce the implementation of Section 14 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. Dr. Lalu emphasized the critical need for this collaboration by recounting numerous unpleasant experiences PWDs have faced during air travel within Nigeria.
“Many airlines are guilty of discriminatory practices towards PWDs, leading to embarrassing and often humiliating situations,” Dr. Lalu stated. He highlighted a specific incident involving Rano Air, where airline staff cited company policy to deny boarding to individuals with zero or reduced mobility unless accompanied by an aide. Such policies, he argued, blatantly violate the rights of PWDs and necessitate immediate reform.
Dr. Lalu called for the creation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that would provide clear policy guidelines for both airlines and PWDs during the ticket booking process. He stressed the importance of this SOP in ensuring that PWDs receive fair and respectful treatment, thereby safeguarding their fundamental rights.
Moreover, the Executive Secretary disclosed that the NCPWD is working closely with key stakeholders to enhance the training and capacity of aviation staff regarding disability inclusion. The Commission is also set to initiate a pilot program featuring disability desk officers at airports, tasked with assisting PWDs in navigating airport facilities.
In his response, Acting Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Ona Najomo, affirmed the regulatory body’s commitment to ending discriminatory practices against PWDs. He described the meeting as timely and necessary, given the NCAA’s ongoing evolution into a more customer-oriented agency.
“These discriminatory actions are totally unacceptable, and it is a new dawn at the NCAA,” Captain Najomo declared. He acknowledged the alignment between Section 14 of the Discrimination Act and Article 19 of the NCAA law, which both address the treatment of PWDs in aviation. Captain Najomo urged PWDs to utilize the special needs column available on airline booking platforms to specify their requirements.
A pivotal moment of the meeting was the agreement to establish a standing committee dedicated to reviewing and updating existing policies on the treatment of PWDs, ensuring alignment with international standards. This committee will work diligently to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for PWDs within the aviation sector.
Dr. Lalu commended the NCAA for its proactive steps in recent years to uphold the rights of PWDs, expressing optimism about the positive changes this partnership will bring. Both parties are committed to fostering an inclusive aviation industry that respects and accommodates the needs of all passengers, regardless of their physical abilities.
The collaboration between NCPWD and NCAA marks a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving equal access and non-discrimination for PWDs in Nigeria’s aviation sector. As these efforts take flight, they promise to transform the travel experiences of PWDs, paving the way for a more inclusive future in air travel.
Mbanefo JohnMichael’s I
Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD
